Opponents need 8,522 valid petition signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. The petition deadline is April 5.

The plan calls for leasing the city-owned parking meters and garages to a private operator in return for $92 million upfront and annual payments. City officials said without the money, they will be forced to lay off police officers and firefighters.

“It’s a fire sale deal. They’re in a budget hole, they need money. It’s giving away an asset. It’s a very poor deal and most people recognize that,” petitioner Tom Brinkman said.

Jeanne Phillips signed the petition Saturday.

“I am very, very tired of City Council going for a shallow buck and that's what it is doing, Phillips said.

Organizers said the city manager was bluffing when he said city workers would have to be cut. They said those comments brought more people out in support of their petition.

Petitioners have won’t say how many signatures they have collected so far.

Charlie Morton pitched five-hit ball for seven innings, Neil Walker hit a review-aided home run and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-0 Sunday in a testy game in which benches cleared after stars Andrew Mcutchen and Brandon Phillips were hit by pitches.